How to give vitamin K by mouth (orally)
Information for women, birthing people, and their families
You will be sent home from hospital with vitamin K and some oral syringes for your baby. The following instructions outline how to give your baby this medicine by mouth (orally). If you have any questions, please speak to your midwife, health visitor, or doctor.
Wash your hands.
Check the date of the vitamin K. If the vitamin K has expired, please speak to your midwife, health visitor, or doctor.
Hold the glass capsule (ampoule) upright, and make sure all the liquid is in the bottom part. If needed, gently shake the ampoule to move the liquid to the bottom.
Hold the bottom part of the ampoule with your non-dominant hand (the hand you do not write with). Make sure the spot on the ampoule is facing you (1).
Gently pinch the top of the ampoule with your thumb and finger of your dominant hand (the hand you write with). Your thumb should be placed just above the dot on the neck of the ampoule.
To 'snap' the top off, carefully push the top of the ampoule away from you (2).
Put the syringe provided into the ampoule. The tip of the syringe should touch the bottom (3).
Pull the plunger up slowly, to pull the medicine into the syringe. Stop when the liquid is level with the second mark (2mg) on the side of the syringe.
The dispenser is designed to draw up the right dose from the ampoule. There may be some liquid left over in the ampoule after the right dose has been removed. This is OK. Do not give your baby any extra liquid.
Never put the glass ampoule in or near your baby’s mouth.
Make sure your baby is held safely or is lying in a safe area.
Carefully put the syringe into the front of your baby’s mouth (4), pointing towards the side of their cheek. Gently and slowly press the plunger, to give your baby the vitamin K.
Give your baby the vitamin K after a feed. The fat in the milk helps the vitamin K to be absorbed.
If your baby spits out the vitamin K or is sick within 3 hours you will need to give them another dose. Please contact our Maternity telephone triage service, their number is at the bottom of this leaflet.
If you have any concerns or questions, please speak with a midwife, health visitor, or doctor.
Who can I contact if I have any concerns?
Contact our Maternity telephone triage service on 01227 206737 for help and advice.
Always ask for urgent medical attention if you suspect your baby is unwell.